SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – Three Elizabeth residents have been chosen by Emerge New Jersey, the political training organization for Democratic women in the state, to participate in its third political training class “Politics 101 in New Jersey.”

After a rigorous application process, M. Marthelle Guervil, Cristina Pinzon, Connie Sanchez were three candidates selected in a class of 20 to take part in the six-month program. The training includes sessions from public speaking to campaign strategy and fundraising.

“Emerge makes a long-term investment in the women who take our program by developing their leadership skills, providing campaign training, and building a powerful network of Democratic women to help them run for – and win – elected office in New Jersey.” explains Emerge New Jersey’s Executive Director Truscha Quatrone. “This year’s class is diverse, dynamic and ready to make change like the classes of women who came before them. Our class this year is our largest to date.”

Guervil is a political organizer focused on education, social justice, immigration, and women’s rights. Currently, she works at Paranoa & Associates, a political consulting firm, and is the executive director of The Haitian American Committee, an organization committed to the social, political, and economic mobility of the Haitian American community in New Jersey.

Guervil explained her reasons for participating in the program, “I chose to apply to the Emerge New Jersey program because I have a personal calling to fulfill and through Emerge I will be able to give what I have learned to others in the form of service, dedication, and diligence.”

Pinzon is a principal at Stateside Affairs, a public and government affairs firm. She has worked in a variety of fields, including education, journalism and politics. Additionally, Cristina serves as the chair of the Elizabeth Housing Authority and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Public Administration from Kean University. Said Pinzon, “The Emerge New Jersey program is changing our political landscape through the voices of women. As you’ve seen, the organization is grooming future mayors, senators, and governors to lead this great state we call home. I am honored to be a part of this distinguished organization that empowers and trains women to take on the most pressing issues we collectively face in government. With Emerge, I know we will achieve equal representation and equal participation in elected office.”

Sanchez is the executive director at Unity Charter School. She has taught middle school science and chaired gifted and talented programs in the Elizabeth Public Schools. Prior to teaching, she was a vice president at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, where she co-managed the largest international branch for Smith Barney, recruited top tiered financial advisors and worked as a national development officer delivering curriculum for over 3,000 financial advisors. In addition, Connie served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Connie earned an EdM in Educational School Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College and an MBA from Texas A&M. She also earned an M.S. in business management with a focus in organizational change management from the College of Saint Elizabeth.

“I chose to apply to Emerge NJ because Emerge gets results,” explained Sanchez. “Women represent less than 25 percent of the U.S. Congress and state legislature. It's time to take a seat at the table and focus on making NJ the best state it can be.”

Emerge New Jersey will introduce its new class at the 2016 Political Training Program Kickoff Event, Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Mirage Banquet Hall in Edison, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $100.00 per person.

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